Medical Scientist

Your Fit

Income

$83K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

9.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Medical Scientist?

A Medical Scientist conducts research aimed at improving overall human health. They design and conduct studies, analyze data, and develop methods to prevent and treat diseases.

Sample job titles:

Clinical Research Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientist, Study Director

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Medical Scientist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Medical Scientist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Medical Scientist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$65K per year	$83K per year	$104K per year	$128K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $18K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Medical Scientist do?

Work environment

Medical Scientists typically work in laboratories and offices, often within research hospitals, universities, or pharmaceutical companies. Their work environment is geared towards research, involving both lab equipment and computer analysis.

Quick task list

Designs and conducts biomedical research and experiments.
Analyzes medical samples and data to draw conclusions.
Develops new medical procedures, drugs, or instruments.
Writes grant proposals to secure funding for research.
Publishes research findings in scientific journals.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Clinical Research: Focuses on trials and studies directly related to patient care.
Epidemiology: Studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease in populations.
Pharmacology: Involves the development and testing of new drugs.
Genetics: Researches genetic factors in diseases and medical conditions.
Neuroscience: Studies the nervous system and brain-related diseases.

Description

Medical Scientists play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge and improving public health. They develop hypotheses for research and perform detailed experiments to test these theories. This requires a strong foundation in biological sciences and a deep understanding of various research methods and statistical analyses.

These professionals often work in collaborative environments, partnering with other scientists, healthcare providers, and sometimes policy makers. Their work is critical in discovering new treatments, understanding diseases, and developing public health strategies.

The career is both challenging and rewarding, as it involves constant learning, problem-solving, and innovation. Medical Scientists are at the forefront of medical breakthroughs, and their work can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes and quality of life for many.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making significant contributions to medical and scientific knowledge.
The excitement of discovery and innovation in healthcare.
The potential to significantly impact public health and individual patient care.

You might make a good Medical Scientist if you are...

Highly curious and have a strong interest in science and medicine.
Detail-oriented and meticulous in conducting experiments and analyzing data.
Patient and persistent, as research can be a lengthy and challenging process.
Good at critical thinking and problem-solving.
Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.

Pros:

Contribution to life-saving medical advancements and treatments.
Intellectual stimulation and continuous learning.
Diverse career opportunities in academia, industry, and government.

Cons:

Long educational and training period.
Research funding can be competitive and uncertain.
High responsibility and potential stress due to the nature of the work.

How to become a Medical Scientist

Typical education

Becoming a Medical Scientist generally requires a Ph.D. in biology or a related life science, which can take about 6-8 years post-bachelor's degree. Some enter the field with a medical degree instead, or a combined M.D.-Ph.D.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to build foundational knowledge.
Mathematics, especially Statistics, for data analysis skills.
English for developing communication and writing skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Science clubs or fairs to engage in research projects.
Volunteering at healthcare facilities to gain exposure to medical environments.
Internships or summer programs in laboratories or universities.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in a life science, like biology or biochemistry.
Gain research experience through internships or university labs.
Consider graduate programs in biological sciences or a combined M.D.-Ph.D. program.

More resources

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - Offers resources and career information for scientists.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Provides information on medical research and funding opportunities.
American Medical Association (AMA) - Offers resources for those pursuing combined M.D.-Ph.D. programs.
Science Careers - A job board and career advice for scientists.
The New England Journal of Medicine - For staying updated with the latest medical research and findings.

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